International football will be coming to Falmouth next month when a qualifying match in an alternative World Cup for small nations and football confederations is hosted at the town's Bickland Park ground.

The tournament is organised by CONIFA, the Confederation of Independent Football Associations, which is the football federation for all associations outside FIFA.

It's a global acting non-profit organization that supports representatives of international football teams from nations, de-facto nations, regions, minority peoples and sports isolated territories.

CONIFA was founded in 2013, and organised its first World Football Cup in June 2014 in Ostersund, Sweden. In 2018 the tournament finals were held in London, known as the Paddy Power World Football Cup and the competition was won by Kárpátalja, who beat Northern Cyprus in the final. Kárpátalja represents the Hungarian minority in Carpathian Ruthenia, a historic region mostly located in western Ukraine.

The next finals will take place in Kurdistan in 2024 and a series of qualifying matches.

The game at Bickland Park on Sunday, 16 July is the chance for a side representing Cornall, known as the Kernow Football Alliance, to take a step on the road to the finals.

The local players will entertain FA Sápmi in the match, which kicks off at 1pm and will be preceded by a week of cultural events celebrating CONIFA.

Kernow FA prior to their last outing, an 8-1 win over Cascadia in May 2021

Divided between Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Finland, the Sámi people have a rich cultural and footballing heritage and they were the hosts of the original world finals in Ostersund.

One of the event organisers is Kernow FA chairman Jason Heaton who said: "What an honour it is for us to host this game in Cornwall.

"A special mention has to go to Falmouth Town's Graham Medlin and Andrew Westgarth for allowing us to use the pitch at Bickland Park. I think we can create a very special atmosphere there.

"FA Sápmi are long-term friends and formidable opponents. They respect our reputation and won't be making the 5,000-mile round trip for the scenery.

"It's a one game golden ticket chance to qualify for a World Football Cup is extraordinarily exciting and a proper test. You can't expect to win World Cups without playing big games."

Kernow will warm up for the big match by taking part in the George Best Community Trophy in Belfast. Kernow's inclusive team will travel to Northern Ireland following an invitation to compete in the prestigious event designed to celebrate disability football.

"Everyone has had the opportunity to witness the rise and representation of the inclusive team and it has inspired us all," continued Mr Heaton. "As we have to raise the funds to host Sápmi, the inclusive players and staff have chosen to pay for their own travel and accommodation to this year's George Best Trophy in Belfast.

"It is a competition we were invited to. Seventy-two teams from all over Europe will take part. The sheer will and determination to represent on the international stage means Kernow are already winners in my eyes.

"I think Cornish football has a lot to be proud of right now. We all know the winners of trophies and leagues and we also know if it wasn't for all the volunteers, committed family members, Cornwall County Football Association and the wider business community supporting the play on the pitch, we'd quite simply be on the streets. That's my inspiration."

"It's the perfect marker going into our fifth anniversary year," he concluded. "There's unfinished business, we have all got a job to do and will continue to give our all for one."

While Mr Heaton has spoken of the honour' staging the match will bring to Falmouth, there is a danger that it could bring footballing sanctions against those involved.

Though the FA in England, and other FIFA administrations, initially supported CONIFA matches, including the 2018 hosting of its 'World Cup' the overarching position has since changed and it is possible under Rule B that taking part in the game could invoke disciplinary action and possible breches of insurance policies of players. The Cornwall FA and English FA have been asked to comment and clarify their position.

A statement from the English FA said: "We are aware of the planned fixture. Any Conifa match is independent from The FA". The FA did not specify if they would be contemplating any action against anyone taking part.

Cornwall FA had not yet responded, as on 10pm on Wednesday, 21 June.

Meanwhile, plans for the game continue and Kernow FA has also announced that they will be holding a mascot competition giving some young Cornish footballers the chance to walk out with the team

All you need to do is send the details of a football team in Cornwall (including age group) to [email protected] for a great chance for your whole team to be mascots for the day. The closing date is 8 July and the draw will take place at 6pm on 9 July.

Adult tickets are to be priced at £9, which includes the entry of one accompanying child free of charge.

Concessions are £7 each, including pensioners and children above the age of 12 that arrive unaccompanied by an adult.

Further details, including information on how to secure your ticket for the match, are available here.

You can also find more details here: CONIFA Europe WFC Qualifier 2023 | CONIFA

You can follow CONIFA on social media for updates here: Facebook